President. –
I would first like to welcome a delegation from the Irish Council of Churches, a cross—border body representing different Christian denominations on the island of Ireland, north and south, who are in the distinguished visitors’ gallery.

(Applause)

Thank you for giving them a warm welcome. It is a coincidence that I am in the Chair to make this announcement, but I am pleased about it. I would just add that our visitors are in Brussels to have discussions with Parliament and the Commission. This dialogue is provided for in the Treaties. I think it is also important to say that the churches on the island of Ireland have played an important role in the peace process and this is something our Parliament has strongly supported. Only last week, we hosted a very positive exhibition showing the impact of EU peace funding in Northern Ireland and in the border region of Ireland.

So I would say to our visitors: you are very welcome, your visit is very timely, and please take back to your communities our message of continued support at this time.